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Walcott - Personal goals take back seat

12/13: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United - Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott scores

Theo Walcott says securing a top-four place is more important than any personal targets he has for the season.

The England international scored his 20th goal of the campaign as Arsenal beat Queens Park Rangers 1-0 at Loftus Road on Saturday.

"We have been up and down this season and so have a lot of clubs, but we are getting the points on the board now when it matters"

While he was pleased to reach the landmark, Walcott insists the fate of the team outweighs any personal considerations.

“[Twenty goals] was my target for the season,” he said. “I said a few weeks back that I was short on goals, but I wanted the team to be where we should be rather than [reaching] my personal goals.

“I really want us to get Champions League football because we deserve it. We have been up and down this season and so have a lot of clubs, but we are getting the points on the board now when it matters.

“Every game this season is very difficult - for example, Tottenham only scored their winner in the last five minutes [against Southampton].

“Every game is tight and everyone is fighting for their lives. We know teams will have to come at us, but we have great strength on the counter-attack and hopefully we can utilise that.”